The Hindu 27.09.2010
Concerns over Metro rail allayed
Special Correspondent
| Project official holds interaction meet with GHMC corporators |
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metro Rail project requires 100-foot roads and after completion, just eight feet of the central media will be occupied by rail pillars supporting the elevated rail, said Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy.
At an interaction with GHMC corporators to address their concerns regarding the project, he explained that the width of the elevated viaduct at the top will be about 35 feet without disturbing road traffic. Land requirement of 269 acres was for rail facilities to accommodate depots and parking areas. Commercial usage will be allowed through exploitation of airspace over the rail facilities.
The vision for transforming Hyderabad into a global city through the project with provision of several pedestrian friendly facilities such as skywalks and ramps was explained in detail to the corporators, an official spokesman said.
Mr. Reddy made a presentation on the project tried to put at rest some of the questions raised by the corporators. Different solutions for addressing traffic problems of the city were discussed and the comprehensive and integrated traffic solution with metro rail as the main component was highlighted.
The three routes taken up in phase one of 71 km i.e., Miyapur to LB Nagar; JBS to Falaknuma; Nagole to Shilparamam were explained. Interchange and integration planned with existing rail terminals, MMTS stations and bus depots was also discussed.
There will be a station for every one kilometre (66 stations), maximum and average speeds of 80 and 34 KMPH, air-conditioned coaches and the three five-minute frequency, he told them along with salient features of the Concession Agreement of the PPP mode and the transparent global bid process.
The project was first of its kind to be taken up under PPP mode on such a large scale in the entire world, where 88 per cent of the cost is borne by private investor, with only Rs. 1,458 crore grant from the Government as viability gap funding.
Later, Additional Commissioner of Urban Community Development Priyadarshini gave a presentation on the
Rajiv Awaas Yojana (RAY). She explained about the guidelines and strategy for implementation as well as the socio economic survey details of the slums and sought the corporators suggestions.
Mayor B. Karthika Reddy, Commissioner GHMC Dr. Sameer Sarma and senior officers were present.
